Inter Miami Add Firepower in Allen Obando Signing
March 28th, 20254 mins

Inter Miami Add Firepower in Allen Obando Signing

Signing Allen Obando has been quite a surprise for an Inter Miami team that has been heavy reliant on its veteran players to lead the way. However, it seems that they are keen to finally invest in a young talent who has a strong potential to prosper as the next face of the club in the years to come. What makes Obando’s signing particularly intriguing is his opportunity to train alongside one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi. Messi’s arrival in Miami has been a game-changer for the club, and for young talents like Obando, it’s a golden opportunity. Messi’s experience, work ethic, and footballing intelligence will undoubtedly rub off on the young Ecuador international. Obando caught the eye of scouts from top clubs worldwide. However, it was Inter Miami who moved quickly to secure the future of this budding star. As a club that has invested heavily in youth development alongside its high-profile signings, Inter Miami sees Obando as a player with enormous potential to make an impact both immediately and in the long run. A New Opportunity For a player like Obando, being able to learn from Messi – who has won seven Ballon d'Or awards and is regarded as one of the best footballers in history – will be invaluable. Messi’s approach to the game, his vision on the field, and his ability to read and control the game will surely be lessons Obando will absorb with both eagerness and gratitude. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue my career with a new challenge at a great club like Inter Miami," said Obando. "I'm ready to get to work to continue growing as a player and help my teammates and the club fight for our objectives this season." Adding Obando is a key move for Inter Miami – who adds depth behind Uruguayan star Luis Suarez. It can be remembered that Ecuador international Leo Campana used to be the backup to Suarez before Miami opted to trade him to the New England Revolution back in December. In football, it’s not just about making big-name signings; it’s about cultivating and developing talent for sustained success. By investing in Obando now, Inter Miami is not only securing a rising star for the future but also ensuring that the club’s success extends well beyond the era of their veteran players. In essence, Obando is positioned to be one of the pillars of the next generation of Inter Miami players. The Next Messi? Though Obando is young, his confidence and ability on the ball suggest that he has the tools to become a star. With a solid work ethic and the right guidance, it’s not difficult to imagine him thriving in Miami’s attacking lineup, especially under the tutelage of Messi. As a player who is known for his technical skill, vision, and ability to link play, Obando could be the perfect successor to take on the creative responsibilities that Messi will eventually leave behind. But it's not just about filling a void. Obando has the potential to carve out his own identity and style of play while contributing to the team’s success on the field. In the long run, he could become one of the top playmakers in Major League Soccer and even make his mark internationally. Inter Miami has always set its sights on building a winning team that attracts global talent while nurturing the stars of tomorrow. The signing of Allen Obando is a testament to that vision, and it’s clear that the future of the club is in good hands with such a promising young player in their ranks.

David Martinez Leading Spark for LAFC's Title
March 26th, 20254 mins

David Martinez Leading Spark for LAFC's Title

With Denis Bouanga out, it is expected that LAFC would not find some winning strides that early to begin with. Instead, the team is seeing some impressive wins lately, thanks to the presence of David Martinez off the bench. It does seem that the Venezuelan teenager is showing off his rising talent, and he could well be the third threat that the team needs to work with in order to spice up their winning chances. Playing on the road with Bouanga, who is out with injury, and missing some key pieces on the offensive end, having Martinez step up in their games is definitely a huge boon to look out for. From promising offensive runs all the way to top handling and even scoring the ball at an incredible pace, one can say that there’s really a lot to expect from Martinez’s sudden rise to action. His stardom with LAFC is starting to skyrocket, and fans are definitely feeling the excitement of the 19-year-old’s rise to dominance now more than ever, and one can say that the Black & Gold are feeling lucky themselves to have such a deep roster where any next man up can step up and prove themselves well on the big stage. Sparking the Offense Martinez has been lauded as one of LAFC’s young experiments – a theme common in soccer clubs as they try to see how one prospect would actually fit with the rest of the team and maybe score a star footballer in the making. At this point, it seems that LAFC is starting to see the fruit of its labors, with Martinez seeing an impeccable rise to the top of the game now more than ever. And one can say that this is indeed a great find for the team once more. As of the time of writing, LAFC soars to the third spot in the Western Conference, tied for points with Austin FC and just three points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps for the first seed. Having Martinez as another potential star could well be a promising note that they can look out for with the way this team is evolving as another contender to look out for. While it is still early, with just five games played into the season, it is expected that Martinez will play a huge role in how they can find their path to the playoffs now more than ever. Who knows, maybe it will be Martinez who will be making a bigger impact heading into the later stages of the season. Blending with Bouanga For LAFC, the potential pairing of David Martínez and Denis Bouanga could be the spark that propels the team to new heights. As Martínez rises to prominence, his combination with Bouanga could create one of the most exciting duos in Major League Soccer. Martínez is a creative, intelligent playmaker who thrives on the ball. He’s got the vision to make incisive passes and is capable of dictating the tempo from midfield. On the other hand, Bouanga is the explosive, direct force in the final third. His blistering pace, flair, and ability to take on defenders make him a constant threat. Bouanga is more about creating chaos and finishing chances, using his agility to get into dangerous positions. Whether it’s scoring goals on the break, controlling the midfield, or simply making life difficult for opposing defenders, Martínez and Bouanga could become one of the most feared combinations in MLS. LAFC fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months as this dynamic duo looks set to light up the league and lead LAFC to new successes.

Tai Baribo Leads Mid-March Golden Boot Race in MLS 2025 Season
March 21st, 20254 mins

Tai Baribo Leads Mid-March Golden Boot Race in MLS 2025 Season

Over the years, we are used to seeing the prominence of elite scorers such as Denis Bouanga, Carlos Vela, Hany Mukhtar, and many other prominent names in terms of putting up goals, but it seems that old-school strikers are doing their best to come up with huge success. On that note, Tai Taribo continues to impress and is not slowing down in his games so far. Philadelphia has gone 3-1 to begin its first four games of the season, and their rise to dominance in the game after finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference last season has been really fun to watch. That is a huge rally that no one has expected to see so far, which says a lot about what has been seen in the squad’s impressive games as of now. Baribo’s game has been on the rise for quite some time, and it seems that he has been long overdue for this kind of huge game. With his fine scoring, Philadelphia is in the top-four mix and is outright challenging Inter Miami and the Columbus Crew for the top spot in the Eastern Conference – something that has been a rare sight for a team coming off a missed playoff campaign. Blazing Baribo Tai Baribo just logged a hat trick in yesterday’s win against Cincinnati FC, another contender team that the Union has managed to defeat so far. In four games, Baribo has tallied a total of six goals, and he is setting his expected goals total at a whopping 4.04, a scoring rate that is unsustainable for some. With the way he scores and how he incredibly fits well under new head coach Bradley Carnell is a promising sight. The high-tempo football is quite impressive as Baribo presses and pushes the ball as fast as he can, and with his clever movement and efficient targeting, he is making his life easier on the attack. For instance, all of the six goals that Baribo has scored came off from one-touch finishes inside the penalty box. The fact that he can drive deep into that lane says a lot about how he can actually keep on firing and adding more to his goal tally. One shouldn’t be surprised anymore as to how he continues to be the top four favorite to win the Golden Boot at +1200 Lionel Messi leads the fray with +333, followed by Christian Benteke at +600 and Luis Suarez at +1000. Still, the odds don’t necessarily tell all of the story, and it is why Baribo is expected now to be the favorite to win – despite the season being just into four games. Keeping Pace Hugo Cuypers also trails Baribo for the most goals scored so far with four for the Chicago Fire FC. Cuypers has Brian Gutiérrez, Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba – all feeding him the ball, and his off-ball running has been equally efficient so far, which has allowed him to find the open looks he needs to score easily. Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Brian White, San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer, and many other names are also making a case for the Golden Boot. However, it is still too early to say how they will find their way into the scoring column. Baribo, on the other hand, has already had his pace set, which means that he may well be gunning for a shot at the Golden Boot by the end of the season, assuming he stays on a promising pace for the whole season. Being an experienced player who has logged minutes with the Maccabi Petah Tikva and Wolfsberger AC seems to have helped him emerge as an elite player so far. Given how he has scored 23 and 28 goals on those teams, respectively, one can expect him to continue putting up more goals in the coming weeks.

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David Da Costa Set for Big Strides with Portland Timbers
March 13th, 20254 mins

David Da Costa Set for Big Strides with Portland Timbers

Spending most of his impressive career with RC Lens, it does seem that David Da Costa has been really quite fun to watch at this point in time. He did not fail to impress when he made his debut for the Portland Timbers, leading them to a 1-0 win against Austin FC in March. So far, his first start in the MLS did not fall short of expectations – he caused a lot of problems for Brad Stuver – who seemed to be one of the best goalkeepers in the game. That saw Da Costa finish off Austin FC with a 1-0 win in his debut by the end of full-time, which definitely says a lot about how he is expected to make some impact to begin his run at the MLS. Da Costa’s first slab of lumber for the season really was impressive, and now it is also setting standards for many fans and critics on what they should look out from him as he seeks to come up with huge performances that can actually deliver a push for the playoff stage now more than ever. Adjusting to the New Squad Being a newcomer to a team is never easy, but it seems that Da Costa is getting acclimated to the squad easier and faster than expected, which says a lot about how the team chemistry is improving well and may well be the answer for the Portland Timbers’ aspirations of a championship in the years to come. "I'd asked the other guys where I should put the ball, and they told me to go first post," Da Costa said of his move to the Timbers. "I wanted to go for the second because the goalkeeper couldn’t come out. It’s a tough area. Then, it’s a goal." At the age of 24, Da Costa surprisingly has a lot of experience in his belt. Coming in from Europe also means a lot for his development, and being a rising talent has certainly helped him evolve into one of the top stars in the league now more than ever. Suffice to say, being lured into joining a team such as the Portland Timbers is definitely a massive feat that one can be pleased to see. It can also be noted that the new no. 10 has bigger shoes to fill at this point in time. The Timbers have traded Evander in the offseason, who was one of their prolific players in the previous campaign as he logged 15 goals and 19 assists. “The expectations are "something that motivates me," Da Costa said. "It’s a special thing for a soccer player. I don’t feel a lot of pressure. I feel more strongly that people like seeing me play like this, and I want to give them more." Expectations for Da Costa Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy has the club already working on all fronts to ensure that Da Costa feels comfortable and will have an easy transition with the team in order to live up to those high hopes in the long run. So far, they have done a great job of that. "We’ve got to give him and all the players the support he needs, make sure he settles and becomes more and more comfortable on the field and off the field in Portland," Grabavoy said. "Really, for us, that’s going to put him in a position where he can play at his highest level. This maybe a daunting move, but this is not the first time that Da Costa has to relocate. And if this partnership is going to end up in a league title, then there’s no argument to be had as long as he wins.

Charlotte Surges Third in East Behind Wilfried Zaha Spark
March 4th, 20254 mins

Charlotte Surges Third in East Behind Wilfried Zaha Spark

Wilfried Zaha impresses in his home debut for the Charlotte FC as he led them to a 2-0 clean sheet victory over Atlanta United, showing the league a promising sign of things to come for Charlotte as they now bump up their spot in the Eastern Conference, now up to the third seed overall in what has been quite a surprising MLS season so far. A whopping total of over 51,000 fans gathered at the Bank of America Stadium in anticipation of what seems to be the dawn of a new era in Charlotte soccer as Wilfried Zaha, one of the legendary players in Europe, now enters the big stage of the MLS for a fresh start now more than ever. So far, he has done just that with an impressive game of his own at this point. Zaha’s impressive debut definitely gave goosebumps to the Charlotte faithfuls, and it cannot be denied that his game was really anticipated to be one of the biggest home welcomes in the MLS so far next to Lionel Messi with Inter Miami and David Beckham with LA Galaxy. Now it seems that Zaha is expected to bring in the thunder for the club as they seek to bring a promising run now more than ever. A Big Game for Charlotte Charlotte was not really the aggressor in their 2-0 win versus Atlanta as they only had 10 shots, with five of those on target in comparison to AU’s three shots on target in 15 attempts. Atlanta also held the ball more at 58% and even made more passes at 577 for 85% accuracy, and they even had the advantage on fouls as Charlotte was called for a total of 12. However, the stat sheet had little impact on the actual game’s outcome as Pep Biel scored a goal for Charlotte in their momentous run in the 49th minute. Zaha followed it up with his first goal for the club in the 54th minute to make it a 2-0 lead for the team with the rest of the game left to play. Defense played a huge role for Charlotte as they held on for the rest of the showdown and forced massive defense on Atlanta to stave off any comeback attempt as the final whistle was blown by the umpires, signalling a promising win for Charlotte in Zaha’s debut at home. This victory marked the club’s first win of the season in two games played and is now up to four points – just behind East-leading teams in Philadelphia and Columbus. Magical Debut For Zaha Zaha did not make his debut in Charlotte’s first game as he had to return to England after her wife gave birth to their daughter. While that opening game for the season ended in a 2-2 draw, this massive win against Atlanta proved to be quite a statement to remember. “It was just joy, man, being able to repay all the hype,” Zaha said of scoring the goal and playing the full 90 minutes. “The lads believe in me, the gaffer believes in me, and hopefully after this goal, everyone else will too.” Zaha is a veteran in his own right. A whopping 101 goals in 525 games is quite rare for a winger, especially when he’s jumped from the English Premier League and the Ligue 1 since 2010. However, it cannot be denied that his impact in the game for Charlotte is quite the promising look that fans can hope to see in the coming months.

Inter Miami Emerges as Favorite to Win in Latest MLS Odds
February 19th, 20254 mins

Inter Miami Emerges as Favorite to Win in Latest MLS Odds

Despite a very disappointing 2024 season after that first-round exit, Inter Miami arrives at the top of the MLS odds for this year with a chance to win it all in late 2025. It seems that the bias hasn’t really much subsided when it comes to the top dogs of the league as they even have better odds than defending champions Los Angeles Galaxy heading into the new season. Today’s experts aren’t leaning much on a repeat from LA Galaxy – instead, they are keen to see Inter Miami come back with a vengeance this season with the hopes of seeing the legendary Lionel Missi win it all for their first-ever MLS Cup title, which would also see the Argentine star join the annals of the only players to ever win a league title in three different leagues. Out of 10 league experts, four of those have opted to side with Inter Miami, three others picked LAFC to win it all, while FC Cincinnati was voted twice, and a lone prediction to win for Atlanta United – the team responsible for knocking out Inter Miami last year from the highly anticipated playoffs. Can Inter Miami Actually Win it All? Well, there’s the disappointing note of last year’s bitter taste left in Miami’s mouth. They were able to finish with the best record in the league, winning the Supporters’ Shield and were predicted to be the heavy favorite to win it all back then. However, Atlanta United happened, and things took a massive downturn. Not much has changed for Miami’s squad except for a few tweaks, but the odds pretty much look the same as it did in the previous run. MLS Cup 2025 Odds (Updated as of February 19, 2025) Club Best Odds to Win Inter Miami +300 LA Galaxy +550 Los Angeles FC +750 Columbus Crew +1000 FC Cincinnati +1200 Inter Miami is expected to bring in the fight once more – the same energy that they had last season, and fans can certainly expect to see them make a deep climb now more than ever if they are going to make a strong presence in the league now more than ever. Last season’s failed run has been a proof that Miami isn’t that much ready, but now they are getting started. After all, the sky’s the limit for the club, and with Messi’s closing window coming in hot, this is definitely going to be quite a story to look out for with the season now more than ever. The Messi Story Lionel Messi has been regarded as the best football player of all time, and yet he continues to add more to his legacy in the game now more than ever, and fans should definitely expect him to continue making strides as he continues to lead Inter Miami to bigger heights now more than ever. However, it seems that Messi is more likely to continue playing – thus giving Inter Miami a bigger hope in the long run. "In the moment, we will see. I don't like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy. When I get to do what I love I am happy,” said Messi. “I value that more than reaching the 2026 World Cup tournament. I haven't set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well." This season is going to be a revenge year for Messi and Inter Miami, and fans can certainly hope that they will see bigger heights for the team at this point in time.

FC Dallas Gets Huge Boost in Luciano Acosta Trade
February 14th, 20254 mins

FC Dallas Gets Huge Boost in Luciano Acosta Trade

Luciano Acosta now has his new home in the MLS as FC Cincinnati traded him to FC Dallas for cash considerations. The Argentine no. 10 now arrives as a promising piece for Dallas as they seek to continue their huge rebuild that has been going on for quite some time now. It is expected that Acosta will be the main catalyst heading into the season now more than ever. Dallas finished with an 11-15-8 record last season, good for the 11th seed in the Western Conference with just 41 points. They nearly had a chance to finish into the top eight but squandered a late standing lead in the season, which eventually cost them a chance to play in the postseason run for the MLS Cup. Acosta brings in a new dynamic for Dallas FC while also getting a fresh start himself. Considering that he has a massive experience in the game, Dallas may well be an instant contender with the game now centered on him. Maybe this time we’ll see a Dallas ball team that is good to become a contender this season. End of a Saga in Cincinnati The Acosta trade marks an end to an era of dominance by Cincinnati. Lucho played for Cincinnati from 2021 to 2024 – all ending in tough exits for the club. Acosta had his best year in 2023 after he bagged multiple awards, such as the MVP and the Goal of the Year. he was also named to the MLS Best XI from 2022 to 2024 and has been an All-Star in those same years as well. He led FC Cincinnati to a Supporters’ Shield finish in 2023, with the team amassing a 20-5-9 record for 69 points. However, the club would fall to Columbus Crew in the semifinals after a 3-2 affair, ending what could have been their magical season back then. So when frustrations mounted on top of one another, Cincinnati had to pull the trade after they made yet another early exit in the 2024 Playoffs. Acosta played for a total of 125 games and scored a whopping total of 48 goals – the most he’s had for any team he’s played for. By the end of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, Acosta claimed that it may well be the end for him at the club. Reports initially claimed that Lucho would land in his native Argentina, with Estudiantes steadily pursuing him since the end of Cincinnati’s campaign. "Lucho Acosta is a dynamic playmaker with an exceptional ability to create scoring opportunities and dictate the tempo of a match," said FCD sporting director André Zanotta. "His vision, technical skill and leadership on the field make him a perfect fit for our attacking philosophy." A New Era for Dallas Acosta now enters his ninth MLS season with Dallas, and the four-time MLS Best Xi honoree and three-time All-Star is expected to captain the Red and Blue to a promising level. There are hopes that Dallas may well finally break its long-standing championship drought since 1996, and fans can expect that Acosta will play a huge role in giving them a chance to expand their game to the postseason. Dallas now puts Acosta alongside striker and club-record signing Petar Musa as the two main centerpieces for the Dallas attack unit – who also brought in a new head coach in Eric Quill. This winter alone, Dallas has also moved Alan Velasco to the Boca Juniors while also trading away Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira to the Seattle Sounders.

Cucho Hernandez Departure Hurts Columbus Crew's Chances
February 6th, 20254 mins

Cucho Hernandez Departure Hurts Columbus Crew's Chances

After setting off a wonder career in his run with the Columbus Crew in the MLS, Cucho Hernandez now moves on to bigger horizons with the striker now taking his talents to the La Liga in Spain as he is set to play for Real Betis in the 2025 season – sending a power shift in the MLS at this point in time. What could have been a redemption year for Columbus Crew now ends up being a questionable one as their main star in Cucho Hernandez is now gone – and so are the postseason aspirations for the team considering the fact that there are a lot of bigger teams to look out for in the MLS now more than ever. It can be remembered that Hernandez was a pivotal piece in helping the Columbus Crew win the 2023 MLS Cup – beating LAFC 2-1 and even coming up with the MLS Cup MVP award and was also named to the Best XI in that squad. Hernandez also led the team to a Leagues Cup triumph last year, earning him the Man of the Match in the Final and was also named the Leagues Cup Best Player award. What does the Hernandez Departure Mean? The Columbus Crew were locked in as one of the favorites to win in the MLS Cup this season and was even hyped as a contender to look out for in the season. Instead, the team now enters a state of limbo with the way their roster is left bare with their top star gone. Columbus Crew GM Issa Tall did not even expect it to happen, and yet it happened. “Our message was, ‘Hey, look, you’re 23, you're talented, and you play in the Premier League. I know you probably don't have MLS in your sights, but here is something for you: Come to us, regain playing time, regain confidence, be the player you are, then become the star of our club, the star of our league,” Tall said. “Go back to your national team, and one day, maybe you return to a top-five league in Europe. We believe there's a pathway there, and let's try to make it happen.’” Cucho made the most of that chance, becoming a legend in Crew history as he led the Ohio-based club to the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup in just a short span of time, even a show to last year’s Concacaf Champions Cup final – even being named an All-Star and two nods to the Best XI among other individual achievements. What’s Next for the Columbus Crew? In his time with Columbus, Hernandez scored a total of 44 games across all competitions in 70 games from 2022 to 2024. That has opened up a wide array of opportunities for Cucho, and it seemed that Real Betis’ interest in the striker was the best that he could get to elevate his career further. It was a move he wanted to make. This is a frustrating end for the MLS as a whole. But it also puts the Columbus Crew in a tight and yet disheartening position now more than ever. To start off the offseason, Columbus Crew was a +800 in the odds to win the MLS Cup, and now that has seen them drop to +1000 after the Cucho transfer at this point. The odds may be no longer on their side on a positive note, but it does seem that there are a lot of talks as to how they can manage and find their path to the top of the league once more while embracing life with out Cucho.

LAFC Brings in Midfielder Igor Jesus for 2025 MLS Season
January 23rd, 20254 mins

LAFC Brings in Midfielder Igor Jesus for 2025 MLS Season

After a dismal playoff campaign in the 2024 season, it seems that LAFC is more focused to bring in a title once more as they sign midfielder Igor Jesus with the hopes of bolstering their youth side while also engineering a different perspective in their games with the Brazilian’s playmaking skills. Igor Jesus comes from Estrela da Amadora, which is one of the top teams in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Igor brings in the international value for the squad and thus will occupy the import roster slot for the team as soon as his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa would be received by the team. At the age of 21, Igor has been an effective performer on both ends of the pitch, but he has been able to contribute on key goals with Estrela da Amadora before his move to LAFC. At this point, it is safe to say that Igor will have a bright future for the team and deliver impressive performances when needed. Who knows, maybe his presence will be the key for a deeper squad for LAFC. A Key Signing for the Black and Gold Igor has played the first half of the 2024-25 season with Estrela and has started nine out of the 13 games he’s played. The defensive midfielder brings in a promising dynamic for the team considering how he’s been lauded for the energy that he shows off the pitch with the way he has initiated multiple crosses and tackles on the backline. “Igor is an exciting young player who already has considerable experience in his career,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “We are happy to welcome a player of his quality and pedigree to LAFC and we expect him to contribute to our success for years to come.” A Goiania native, Igor has been one of the popular names in the game so far. He has played for Flamengo, Brazil Serie A’s arguable top team and the most popular club. In a total of 10 matches with the Mengão, Igor has been able to impress well, which says a lot about how he’s managed to land a professional contract at the age of 18. For his career, Igor has amassed a total of 47 appearances in all competitions for both Flamengo and Estrela, winning two massive trophies with his boyhood side as well. Splash of Signings Jesus marks the third new midfielder for LAFC heading into the 2025 season, as he joins Jude Terry and Celtic FC loanee Odin Thiago Holm. It is worth noting that LAFC is seeking new grounds with former midfielders midfielders Ilie Sánchez (MLS free agency), Lewis O'Brien (loan expired) and Eduard Atuesta (loan expired) all moving on from the squad. Since their short rebuild has begun, LAFC has been third overall in the best odds to win in the 2025 MLS Cup at +750. Defending champions and LAFC rivals LA Galaxy are set with the second-best odds at +550, while Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami still top off the list as with the previous season with odds of +300. MLS Cup runners-up New York Red Bulls land with the seventh best odds so far. LAFC begins its new campaign this season on February 18th in a showdown against the Colorado Rapids in a Concacaf Champions Cup play. Their MLS slate, on the other hand, begins this February 22nd in a clash with the Minnesota United at 4:30 pm ET.

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Inter Miami Slated for Club Friendly Match Versus Club America
January 16th, 20254 mins

Inter Miami Slated for Club Friendly Match Versus Club America

Inter Miami opens up the first of many preseason games with a promising clash versus Club America, hailing from the LIGA MX as one of the top clubs in North America. This will be a promising showdown to look out for as Las Vegas plays host for this battle between two elite teams in the region. The first of the five preseason matches that Inter Miami will play features a battle against a league leader in Club America. The quest for championship hardware begins anew for the team following a poor exit in the previous playoffs at the hands of the Atlanta United in their November battle. Club America is one of the most popular games in Mexico and will certainly have a huge fan following when they come and visit the Allegiant Stadium. Make no mistake, Club America is a juggernaut at the hands of club manager Andre Jardine, having won more trophies than any other team in LIGA MX with a total of 16 league trophies, including the last three. This will not be a walk in the park for Miami, but perhaps the Club Friendly label of the game might dampen the intensity. Anticipating a “Friendly” Showdown Las Aguilas is a team that presents some of the most high-profile players in North America, such as midfielder Jonathan dos Santos and striker Henry Martin. In the 2023-24 season, Club America clinched the top spot with a record of 10-5-2 for 35 points – being able to do so despite winning three out of its last five games. Inter Miami, on the other hand, comes off a campaign where they have managed to set the record for the most points in a single MLS season and clinching the Supporters’ Shield. However, it is worth noting that they are now entering this campaign with a different look, starting with head coach Javier Mascherano, who took over Tata Martino. The roster for Inter Miami remains to be in progress as the club continues to look out for multiple talents to bring into the squad. But so far, the club’s big four composed of ex FC Barcelona stars in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets still remain on the front line of the team. Sure, many people will say that this is just a club friendly, but expect to see more from Inter Miami as they try to come up with a statement game that should remind the rest of the MLS world that they are still a team to look out for. Renewed Confidence Inter Miami has made some massive changes in the offseason, especially in its coaching helm. It cannot be denied that this will certainly press an impact on the team’s hopes of putting up a promising campaign to remember after nearly having one last season. Lionel Messi is still in his top form and returned from his injury well. For now, the expectations are high for Messi and the rest of Inter Miami to not just win this one, but to deliver an even more promising run in the coming games in the MLS season. The team is slated to play a gauntlet of impressive preseason games as well, such as traveling to Peru against Universitario, and then in Honduras against CD Olimpia before wrapping up their run in a clash against rivals Orlando City at the Raymond James Stadium on Valentines Day.

Emmanuel Boateng Set for Big Season with San Diego FC
January 8th, 20254 mins

Emmanuel Boateng Set for Big Season with San Diego FC

In a shocking move, the San Diego FC have landed yet another promising talent in Emmanuel Boateng heading into the 2025 season after successfully trading with the New England Revolution. It seems that Tyler Heaps’ offseason campaign continues to show that there’s more to success in winning in the offseason than in the actual season as well. So far, bringing in Boateng helps complete San Diego’s roster that has been on the rise at this point. MLS rosters are composed of 26 players at most, and San Diego is already up to 20 and can even add more key pieces before they report to training camp on Friday. One can say that there are bigger expectations for the team to continue adding more talents into the squad. It is rare for a team on the side of making a debut in the MLS to have this momentum and hype. The whole world seems to be on the monitoring end for the team, and they are even waiting to see either how San Diego would continue to add more key talents – and how Boateng would emerge as a key player to look out for in the coming season. Boateng Finally Sailing in San Diego New England’s continued offseason moves has certainly managed to bring fortune for San Diego FC, who brought in Boateng for $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money. This means that Boateng will now move on and try to come up with a new chapter in bringing his veteran talents to San Diego FC now more than ever. “We are glad to facilitate this move for Ema, allowing him the opportunity to return and work more closely with the Right to Dream Academy that helped launch his career,” Revs’ sporting director Curt Onalfo said. “We are grateful to Ema for his years of service in New England, where he was a true professional and valued teammate. We wish him all the best in this next chapter in San Diego.” Boateng’s tenure with the Revs began in 2021, signing as a free agent after spending various spells in LA Galaxy, DC United, and the Columbus Crew. In four seasons, the 30-year-old managed to play across 108 matches and nailed eight goals and 10 assists, amassing 4,080 minutes of action. It can also be remembered that Boateng played a huge role in helping New England score a win for the Supporters’ Shield title in 2021. Now he can definitely do the same once more and help San Diego make a splash in its season debut. A Splash of Signings Boateng was the latest signing among many deals that the San Diego FC has made over the past few months. For Heaps, the sporting director of San Diego FC, it cannot be denied that the excitement is really building bigger momentum that fans have waited for in a long while. “We need a few key bodies there,” Heaps said. “It’s about trying to find the right balance. We’re trying to find different types of profiles, guys who can play between the lines, guys who can go win the ball back for us, guys who can play low in build versus high in build. We just have to get the construction of it right.” There are high hopes for the San Diego FC at this point, and it does seem that they will be off to bringing bigger strides as the season closes in in just a few more weeks of wait.

San Diego FC Completes Roster in MLS Expansion Draft
December 17th, 20244 mins

San Diego FC Completes Roster in MLS Expansion Draft

San Diego FC is all set and ready to play big in the games for the next MLS season as the team seeks to come up with a promising push in their inaugural season. They come in as the new club to watch in the 2025 season as part of the MLS’ expansion program, and they are keen to come up with some impressive strides heading into the campaign. The newly-formed club made a number of strategic moves during the Expansion Draft, retaining three key players from the selections: Orlando City midfielder Heine Gikling Bruseth, Charlotte FC defender Hamady Diop, and Colorado Rapids fullback/midfielder Jasper Löffelsend. With its roster taking shape, San Diego FC is preparing for its debut season in MLS. The club will open its campaign with a highly anticipated match against St. Louis City SC on March 1, 2025. As the team continues to build its roster and develop its identity, fans can expect an exciting new chapter for soccer in San Diego. Promising Trades by San Diego Alongside the draft selections, San Diego FC made two notable trades to optimize its future flexibility. The club traded midfielder Hosei Kijima to D.C. United in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for the 2025 season. The move provides the club with additional financial resources to strengthen its roster further in the future. SDFC also traded forward Thiago Andrade to Toronto FC. In return, the club received Toronto’s natural first-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, as well as up to $250,000 in conditional GAM based on performance metrics. Additionally, SDFC retained a percentage of any future transfer fee if Andrade is sold abroad by Toronto FC. Landing Significant Talents Bruseth, a 20-year-old Norwegian midfielder, represents a promising addition to SDFC’s midfield. The young talent began his professional career at the age of 17 with Kristiansund BK in his native Norway, where he made a solid impression with two goals and two assists. In August 2024, he was acquired by Orlando City SC, where he gained further exposure in the league. Known for his technical ability and vision, Bruseth brings creativity and energy to San Diego’s midfield as the club looks to build a competitive side in its inaugural season. SDFC also secured the services of 22-year-old Senegalese defender Hamady Diop, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Although Diop has made just three MLS appearances with Charlotte FC, he has shown promise as a versatile defender. The young center-back is currently on loan with FK Čukarički, a Serbian club, where he is expected to gain valuable experience through January 2025. His strong defensive abilities and physical presence will add depth and stability to San Diego's backline as the club seeks to solidify its defensive unit. In a move that adds much-needed experience to the squad, San Diego FC retained German midfielder/fullback Jasper Löffelsend. At 27 years old, Löffelsend has made 69 MLS appearances over his career, playing for both Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids. His most recent season with the Rapids saw him play a key role in helping the team reach the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Löffelsend’s versatility and solid two-way play will provide valuable leadership and depth to the SDFC roster, particularly in the midfield and defensive areas.

Riqui Puig Sends Stern Warning About LA Galaxy Dynasty
December 12th, 20244 mins

Riqui Puig Sends Stern Warning About LA Galaxy Dynasty

From bouncing back from a lackluster 2023 season all the way to winning it all in the 2024 MLS Cup, it does seem that this has been a storied finish for the LA Galaxy with the way they have conquered the season. However, it seems that the fun does not stop there as lead star Riqui Puig hints at a possible goal for the club to achieve a dynasty in the years to come. A dynasty is a string of championships by a single team, marked by continued dominance one year after another. Since its inception in 1996, no team has managed to come up with a dynasty in the league, perhaps the closest that can be considered are back-to-back title wins, first achieved by DC United in the first two seasons of the league from 1996-97, followed by Houston Dynamo (2006-07), and LA Galaxy (2011-12). At this point, it is safe to say that the celebration has bore fruit for another championship aspirations for LA Galaxy, and this time, the team is keen to achieve bigger heights and write history in the league now more than ever. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see an MLS dynasty in the years to come. Bold Statement from Puig LA Galaxy’s win over the New York Red Bulls extended their league-leading record of title wins to six, while also achieving its first title win in a decade. So far, this has been a season marked by dominance from LA Galaxy, mostly from Riqui Puig, who had to sit out the Cup Final due to an ACL tear. “I think we’re the best team in Major League Soccer,” Puig said of their championship aspirations and what should fans, teams, and critics expect from them moving forward. “I think we need more room to add another star here (on the jersey crest), but this doesn’t end here. I think we can make history.” Puig has had a wonder season of his own. In 36 matches this season, the Barcelona product assisted or scored on a total of 36 goals (17 goals and 19 assists) across all competitions. Had he not went down in the Conference Finals, he would have added to his four-goal, three-assist tally in the MLS Cup Playoffs this season. At the age of 25, Puig seeks to be the next David Beckham – who led Galaxy to its back-to-back title finish in 2011 and 2012. There’s a statue of the legendary star at the DHSP’s Legends Plaza, and Puig’s dynasty hopes might just earn him a place there – if they are successful. Will the Galaxy Core be Back for Another Run? While Puig was at the center of Galaxy’s attack-oriented group, it cannot be denied that the works of Dejan Joveljic and the additions of Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil proved to be a deadly combo of stars to contend against. So far, these four players marked the first time that a quartet of stars actually scored 10 or more goals each in a single season. There are a lot of talks of a possible transfer – with some of the stars receiving offers overseas from known clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. Fans are hoping that the group will stick together and make more winning strides in LA. But that remains to be seen as the offseason begins with a lot of possibilities set to transpire. Should LA Galaxy keep its core intact and make minimal changes or upgrades, expect the same group to contend at a high level next season and hopefully make the most of their chances to claim yet another championship – one after another.

LA Galaxy Swarms New York Red Bulls in 2-1 Win at the MLS Cup Final
December 9th, 20244 mins

LA Galaxy Swarms New York Red Bulls in 2-1 Win at the MLS Cup Final

If there wasn’t a promising spectacle to finish the MLS season, then this was it. LA Galaxy made sure that there weren’t going to be any upsets to finish the day, and they did that with a promising bang to ensure that they will take down the New York Red Bulls in convincing fashion to cap off the year. So far, it has been one of the best runs for LA Galaxy, who has now won its sixth league title. This extends their league-leading record in MLS Cup title wins, proving that they are still the best team in the competition. For the first time since winning in 2014, it took a decade for LA Galaxy to get back on track and start winning big games once more. The New York Red Bulls have had plenty of opportunities to claw their way back into the game and make things interesting, but it was the defense of LA Galaxy that proved to be pivotal in keeping the game out of reach for whole 70 minutes all the way to the final whistle that signalled their triumph in the league. A Season to Remember The LA Galaxy has returned to the top of the league as predicted, and they made sure that they will leave their mark on the big stage like no other. Following a campaign in the 2023 season where they finished 13th place overall in the Western Conference, Galaxy proved that they are now a contender to watch once more after clinching their first MLS title in a decade. So far, the additions of Joseph Paintstil and Gabriel Pec proved to be quite the final pieces that the team needed all along. At this point, LA Galaxy has returned to the top of the MLS world, and now they seem to be intent in keeping it. The team did finish with the first seed in the West but was always shadowed by rivals LAFC when it comes to odds. When LAFC got knocked out, the tide turned for LA Galaxy, and they sure did capitalize in avoiding what could have been a showdown of LA teams in the Western Conference Finals. They defeated the Red Bulls with two goals from Paintsil in the 9th minute and Dejan Joveljic’s score in the 13th minute. The Red Bulls responded in the 28th minute with Sean Nealis’ goal, but Galaxy held off the offensive barrage from New York to keep them from coming back into the game in crucial moments, which proved to be a promising story of how their defense has become prominent. The Puig Replacement There has been a lot of uncertainty for the LA Galaxy rotation heading into this match, with Riqui Puig – the team’s best player and elite scorer – out with an injury that he suffered in their win against the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Finals. Head coach Greg Vanney opted to start Gaston Brugman in the game, who went on to come up with an assist to Paintsil’s opener and commanded Galaxy’s midfield for most of the game. Brugman would then sit out the game later in the 75th minute, replaced by Marco Reus for the rest of the showdown. Brugman, however, would be named as the MLS Cup 2024 MVP by the end of the match, showing how his sudden call to the starting lineup was met with an impressive performance to lead the way for the Galaxy’s MLS Cup win.

Riqui Puig's Injury Puts Dent in LA Galaxy's Odds Against New York Red Bulls
December 6th, 20244 mins

Riqui Puig's Injury Puts Dent in LA Galaxy's Odds Against New York Red Bulls

While LA Galaxy managed to pull off a grand escape with a 1-0 clean sheet win against the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Finals, it does seem that the team’s hopes of finishing it all with a bang may not well be as clear as it is with star Riqui Puig out for the remainder of their impressive campaign. The team celebrated the Western Conference title as soon as the umpire blew its final whistle, but Puig was definitely distraught on the bench after the team doctors informed him that he tore his ACL, requiring extensive surgery and definitely a huge chunk of time off the pitch. As of the time of writing, the odds are not that far from each other, and it does seem that the MLS Finale will have some impressive stakes for all to consider. LA Galaxy is set as the favorite to win with odds of -295, but it is also worth noting that the Red Bulls aren’t that far behind with odds of +210 and are even expected to put up a fight in this clash now more than ever. Why Riqui Puig Injury is Massive Riqui Puig played a total of 30 minutes in that win against the Seattle Sounders, with the 25-year-old coming up with a clever control of the ball and even assisting on the team’s game-winner for a 1-0 win. He stayed on the pitch for most of the game and did not know the extent of his injury until the end of the game. For coach Greg Vanney, seeing his best player give it all despite carrying that tough injury is definitely tough, but nevertheless inspiring. "He was able to do things on one foot and protect the knee but still execute play," Vanney of Puig’s performances in the Conference Final. "It was extraordinary. Doesn't make anything better, but it was extraordinary how he was able to manage the situation." However, the Galaxy will be missing the best performer in the game right now. Puig ranks first among all MLS players in the season when it came to touches (3,368), pass attempts (2,830), pass completions (2,425) and carries (2,524). The team would be missing out its major attacker – against a team that is known well to defend the goal against the best. Major Adjustments Underway Still, the odds may tell otherwise, but LA Galaxy is still an elite team with all of its impressive talent in the roster. It is expected that Puig’s minutes and workload will have to be redistributed en route to their clash against the Red Bulls. Simply put – the Galaxy have a lot of options on their hands should they want to make tweaks. It is expected that Marco Reus will be filling in for the playmaking role, while Diego Fagundez will enter as an attacking midfielder. Vanney also has the option to bring in Gastón Brugman for the defensive concerns. There’s a lot of talent available for the Galaxy, and they have some impressive options to cover all of their weaknesses in Puig’s absence. At this point, there’s still overflowing confidence for LA Galaxy, and it seems that they are eager to dedicate this campaign for Puig. After all, winning it all is the only consolation that they can offer to their teammate who gave it his all to push the club to bigger heights and finally get back to the MLS Cup Final stage.

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